Work for US citizens travelling to United Kingdom
Paid work in the UK requires a work visa before travel.
For a US citizen passport. Lawful permanent residents and other statuses can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Employees and specialists with UK sponsors. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | Visa validity period. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | Fees on gov.uk for the relevant work route. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | No visa for many short visits—see UK Standard Visitor guidance. · UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Find the correct work visa category on gov.uk.
- Apply before travel with sponsor documents.
- Start work only after permission is granted.
FAQ
Can I work remotely for a non-UK employer on a visitor entry?
Visitor rules restrict paid work in the UK—confirm on gov.uk.
Does intra-company transfer need a visa?
Yes—use the published UK work visa routes.
Sources
- UK: Standard Visitor (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.